Progress Even
Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention

Continually improve practices and controls that prevent or reduce the effects of toxic contaminants on aquatic systems and humans. Build on existing programs to reduce the amount and effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Use research findings to evaluate the implementation of additional policies, programs and practices for other contaminants that need to be further reduced or eliminated.

Progress

According to data submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2012, 74 percent of the Chesapeake Bay’s tidal waters are partially or fully impaired by toxic contaminants.

A technical report shows polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury are particularly problematic in the region, and are considered widespread in severity and extent. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some herbicides are also considered widespread in extent, while dioxins, petroleum hydrocarbons, some chlorinated insecticides and some metals occur locally. Information is insufficient to determine the extent of biogenic hormones, household and personal care products, pharmaceuticals or flame retardants.

Toxic contaminants can be found in sediment and fish tissue. Toxics can harm human health and affect the survival, growth and reproduction of fish and wildlife. Increasing our understanding of toxics is critical to the drafting of policy and prevention approaches that will reduce their effects on living resources.

Supporting the development, evaluation and implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads;

Compiling data for enhanced regulatory programs;

Developing a guidance document for the control and reduction of PCBs in regulated stormwater and wastewater;

Coordinating educational workshops to increase public knowledge of the impacts PCBs can have on human health, the risks of consuming contaminated fish and the technologies available for sediment remediation;

Coordinating voluntary programs to track the sources of PCBs and phase out PCB-containing equipment;

Exploring opportunities to reduce the inadvertent manufacture of PCBs; and

In 2016, the Chesapeake Stormwater Network completed a study to determine the relative amount of toxic contaminant reduction that might occur across the range of best management practices implemented as part of the nutrient- and sediment-focused Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (Bay TMDL). Part One of the study examines how practices meant to control stormwater can remove urban toxic contaminants from the environment, while Part Two examines how the agricultural and wastewater sectors influence antibiotics, biogenic hormones and pesticides.

In 2016, the Toxic Contaminants Workgroup completed a story map depicting the extent of jurisdiction-listed waters that are impacted by PCBs. Additional maps that depict the need for, development of and presence of active PCB Total Maximum Daily Loads were built to help partners target activities related to PCB reductions.

During 2016, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement personnel conducted four PCB inspections at facilities in the watershed.